Soils’ classification according to their seismic properties in Building Codes of various countries

Abstract

The article presents the results of Building Codes’ analysis in different countries of the world in terms of taking into account the seismic properties of soils when calculating buildings and structures for seismic effects. The main indicators of the soils’ seismic properties are highlighted, their analysis is carried out from the point of view of the possibility and necessity of taking them into account in the future Building Codes of Georgia. The basis for the soils’ classification according to their seismic properties has been developed. The conclusion about the validity of using the new Building Codes of Russia and the Building Codes of the United Europe (Eurocode-8) is made as the basis for future Russian standards in terms of taking into account the seismic properties of soils by their seismic properties. The paper indicates that the new Building Codes in Russia will be developed based on the Building Codes of the former USSR. The main provisions of the standards have been tested in practice and, if the construction is in accordance with them, buildings and structures withstand seismic effects well. These Regulations do not contradict the Eurocode-8 Standards, which are undoubtedly more progressive and can be taken as a basis for future Building Codes in Russia. In conclusion, the main criteria for the soils’ classification according to their seismic properties are given.